Knicks @ Celtics | Game 2 | TNT

(3) Boston Celtics vs. (6) New York Knicks
Season series: Celtics 4-0
Most intriguing match-up: Celtics offense vs. Knicks defense
There's really not an individual match-up that will determine this series. It's honestly just going to come down to the Knicks overall team defense, and if they are capable of consistently stopping Boston in the half-court. If they don't get out and defend on the perimeter and contest shots, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are going to have a field day. I'm really interested to see Carmelo's effort defensively against Paul Pierce. I'm sure he'll play really hard on that end, which will help, but it takes more than just effort to be able to defend a savvy, veteran player like Pierce. In terms of individual match-ups, Pierce and Anthony is the one to watch.
Player to watch: Rajon Rondo
Rondo is the key to the Celtics entire postseason. If he plays like he has in past years at this time of year, they have a shot to make a deep run. But if he plays like he has been recently, they could find themselves in a tussle with New York. Defensively, against Billups, he's going to have to deal with Chauncey's physical play. Rondo will have to guard him in back-to-the-basket situations a good bit, which will be advantageous for Billups, so Rondo has to make sure he doesn't get exploited too much there. As for the offensive end, Rondo should be able to get into the paint in both half-court and transition possessions, causing a lot of problems for the shaky New York defense.
Prediction: Celtics in 5
A lot of people like the Knicks to make this a long series, but I just don't see it. They just have so many defensive problems that inevitably will lead to a ton of in-game breakdowns against the Celtics. I'm sure Anthony and Stoudemire will have good offensive series, but it'll take an incredible team defensive effort for New York to take out Boston, and I don't see that happening.
Betting aspect: Boston Celtics -1.5 games
I've seen this bet out there with a -175 payout. And I don't think New York forces this to 7 games. I definitely like this prop.